Shampoos
In addition to thoroughly cleaning the hair, a good
shampoo should also be gentle enough to keep the hair
well moisturized and soft; this can be accomplished
by combining just the right balance of ingredients in
just the right amounts. A thinning hair shampoo should
be enriched with Jojoba Oil and Polysorbate 80 to remove
oils and waxy buildup. Also, Panthenol (Provitamin B5)
and Biotin help increase the thickness, body and texture
of each strand.
Leading authorities on hair recommend shampooing every
day. This washes away scalp oils containing the hormone
DHT (dihydrotestosterone) which contributes to hair
loss.

Conditioners
Like shampoos, conditioners must leave behind enough
ingredients so that the hair combs easily and feels
soft, but not so that the hair looks weighted down or
greasy. The best ingredients to look for in a hair conditioner
are Liposomes, Wheat Protein, and plant extracts such
as Horsetail Extract and Stinging Nettle. Conditioners
should strengthen your hair, adding volume and shine.

Massage scalp gently to relieve tension and aid
blood circulation in the scalp.

Wet hair thoroughly with warm or lukewarm water.

Pour a small amount of shampoo onto the palm
of your hand, rub both hands together and smooth
shampoo on evenly. (Pouring shampoo directly onto
the hair makes even distribution impossible).

Massage shampoo into scalp with fingertips, adding
more water for suds.
Spread the lather quickly throughout your hair,
leave on for several seconds, comb through, then
rinse with warm water.

After the first thorough rinsing, the second
rinse should be with water which is progressively
colder. This reduces “swelling” of the
hair tube and stimulates circulation. Cold water
also makes the hairs stiffer and stronger, while
locking them more firmly into their root.

The final step is to gently comb the hair with
a wide-tooth comb rather than a brush which can
stretch and break your hair.

All About pH
pH is a scale chemists use to measure acidity and alkalinity.
The scale ranges from 0 (very acidic) to 14 (very alkaline).
The mid-point 7 on the scale is equal to the pH of distilled
water.

The “natural” pH of hair
and skin is between 5 & 6: in other words, slightly
acidic. Both a highly alkaline or extremely acidic substance
will damage your hair and skin. A shampoo should have
a pH of between 4 & 7, which is within the normal
pH range of the scalp.
Can Dandruff cause Hair Loss?
Many people with serious dandruff problems maintain
healthy hair thoughout their lives. For those with thinning
hair, however, a dandruff problem may worsen the condition.
Dandruff itself does not cause baldness. It is the result
of increased skin cell production combined with excessive
oil secretions. The two most basic steps in dealing
with dandruff are massaging the scalp and frequent brushing.

Blow-Dryers can Actually Help
Blow-drying, if done properly and in moderation, can
actually benefit the scalp and hair. Blow-drying can
increase blood flow to the scalp and thus improve circulation
of vital nutrients to that area. When you finish shampooing
and conditioning with that last cold rinse, you have
also restricted blood flow to the scalp. Using a warm
blow-dryer can help raise the temperature of the scalp
and restore circulation. To get the full benefits from
your blow-dryer, remember to keep the air moving over
your head and not to leave it in one spot too long.
Also, make sure the dryer stays at least 6 inches from
your head.

Healthy Hair vs Damaged Hair

What Damaged Hair Looks Like
(Hair Magnified 115 Times)

A Guide to Protecting Your
Hair

Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight, water, sand
and chlorine.

Cover your head with a hat as much as possible.

In choosing a hair care product, look for ingredients
that contain the following:

Aloe Vera to restore
the precious moisture balance lost through blow-drying,
tints and perms.

Panthenol (Provitamin
B5) protects hair from the damaging effects of the sun
and pollutants.